Bay Area coronavirus updates | Sun., July 26

The latest developments around the region related to the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Sunday afternoon include:

• Tuesday’s edition of “The People’s Health Briefing” by the Oakland-based Roots Community Health Center will tackle the issue of the safety and effectiveness of masks and face coverings, “a contentious topic in COVID-19 prevention,” a statement from the group said Sunday. Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO and founder of Roots Community Health Center, will be joined in Tuesday morning’s live Facebook broadcast by Dr. N. Kenji Taylor, Roots’ director of clinical programs. Taylor is an expert in complex care management, and this conversation will highlight how to protect yourself or loved ones at risk of a poor outcome from COVID-19. Tuesday’s broadcast begins at 10 a.m.; go to Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/rootsempowers/live_videos/
• Linda Beach Playfield in Piedmont closed to the public as of 4 p.m. Friday, and will stay closed until further notice due to continued lack of compliance by users with novel coronavirus health orders, the City of Piedmont announced. The city also said it is considering additional enforcement measures to compel the public to comply with safety measures. “Despite repeated warnings from city staff, users of this facility have continued to play group sports in violation of COVID-19 health orders” made by the Alameda County Public Health Department, the city said in an advisory. “We regret having to take this action, but the actions of field users have necessitated it.” The last straw may have been this episode related in a July 15 email from the city: “Last Friday night (July 10), a City of Piedmont park ambassador encountered more than 60 adults playing soccer at Beach field,” the email said. “Players were not practicing social distancing and not wearing face coverings. When asked to do so, players were not willing to abide by safety protocols, and challenged the park ambassador using vulgar language.” Officials will wait to reassess use of the Beach field, on Linda Avenue, and determine when reopening might be feasible.
• As of 7 p.m. Sunday, officials have confirmed the following number of novel coronavirus cases around the greater Bay Area region (“+” number added since last check Sat., July 25):
  • Alameda County: 10,370 cases (+40), 178 deaths
    • Totals include Berkeley Health Department data
  • Contra Costa County: 6,933 cases (+163), 104 deaths
  • Marin County: 4,623 cases, 55 deaths
    • Totals include San Quentin State Prison
    • Numbers unchanged since Saturday
  • Monterey County: 4,002 cases (+49), 23 deaths (+1)
  • Napa County: 741 cases, 8 deaths
    • Numbers unchanged since Saturday
  • San Francisco County: 5,932 cases (+143), 56 deaths
  • San Mateo County: 5,022 cases, 117 deaths
    • Numbers unchanged since Saturday
  • Santa Clara County: 9,041 cases (+208), 184 deaths
  • Santa Cruz County: 907 cases (+9), 4 deaths
  • Solano County: 3,129 cases, 35 deaths
    • Numbers unchanged since Saturday
  • Sonoma County: 2,559 cases (+93), 24 deaths
  • Statewide: 453,659 cases (+8,259), 8,337 deaths